Two weeks had past since Derek's confinement - within the week the second rare guards were given five days to mourn their loss and write letters to loved ones. Alexander had tried to see Derek before writing a letter but he wasn't even allowed into the Knight section, so he wrote it himself, telling Victoria and Paul all was fine and ongoing and about their promotion as Second Rare Guard.
On the first day of the second week, the Second Rare Guards were summoned to the courtyard by Second Commander Devon Deviz. He gave a brief speech on the essence of being a Second Rare Guard - it was an apprenticeship scheme under a Knight for fourteen days. The aim was to test their listening skills to commands, their comprehension skill in an unpleasant situation and how composed they can be in any compromising situation.
The performance of the Rare Guard, should he survive will determine where he will stand in the next rank. A Foot Soldier, a Town Guard or a Messenger Guard.
It was certain most Knights would go for Alexander, being the highest ranking Rare Guard of Camp Eve. He knew it and Commander Devon knew also.
Commander Devon conducted a lottery on the third day - the Knights had to pick names written on paper from a small pouch. The Knights personally called out the names they picked and identified with them.
A Knight named Ser Andrew Nue paired with Alexander, he had noticed the stale look on Andrew's face when he read his name, the look of instant regret.
"Meet me outside by mid-day tomorrow."
That was all Andrew said, there was no hand shake or short welcome speech as other Knights had done their apprentices.
Ser Andrew was a towering man, taller than Alexander. His aura was solemn, with a look in his eyes seeming faraway. A faded scar traced along the side of his mouth, perhaps the mark of a terrible ordeal. His dark hair was cropped close to his head, nearly revealing the skin beneath.
"You'll get use to him, just a little patience." A Knight had adviced later in the day.
The next day, Alexander saw Liam and Ivan off, along with their ascribed Knights.
"Go easy on him." Both Knights had adviced Alexander towards Andrew.
By mid-day Alexander was ready and mounted on his horse - he sat upright, looking glorious, cladded in his Second Rare Guard armor - a purple cloth-armor.
He waited a good measure of minutes before Ser Andrew arrived on his stallion, there was no room for a greeting of any such, Andrew went straight to the point.
"On this mission I am not just your superior, I am your master and mentor."
Alexander almost gave in to a smile, he knew very well Derek would have asked for difference between superior, master and mentor.
"What I say goes," Andrew continues, "your words don't matter, your thoughts are invalid, my commands are law. Are we clear?"
"Aye Ser!" Alexander replied without question, even though he had a lot to ask.
"Our mission is and would be a simple one if you cooperate. We are heading to the city of Kovan at the Eastern region."
Alexander has heard that name before, he was not quite sure where or when even, but it drove a chilling reminder of Vinum through him.
"We are tasked with helping and coordinating the guards in taking down a group of bandits going about robbing homes and defying ladies."
"Aye Ser!" Alexander replied, not that he had a choice in the first place.
Alexander sighed silently for the journey ahead would be a long and boring one, he knew it deep within him - Derek would have made things livelier, still there was never a guarantee they would have being in same mission.
The journey to Kovan went on for five days - crossing the mucky part of Ozak, Andrew said it was the safest route to avoiding unprecedented situations. And he was right, they encountered no bandit on their way.
Andrew was quiet all through their journey, except he was explaining a situation or giving commands.
"Halt" "Come" "Wait"
"We'll rest here"
"Move ahead"
"Scout the surroundings"
"Put out the fire."
"Keep your sword close, it's your life."
Alexander heard them so well it became an anthem, now he was desperate to find out Andrew's past.
Even though they had enough food supply for themselves and horses, Andrew preferred sharing his with his horse - Caramel he called her. A mare coated in deep chocolate brown, shining in the sun. Her mane and tail were glossy and well-groomed, and her eyes were large and gentle. Her legs were strong and muscular, with large hooves that carried her gracefully. Only when Andrew fed Caramel did Alexander see a glint of smile on his face.
Kovan was a city nestled at the foot of a grassy plain, in the shadow of a towering mountain range. Alexander recognized the mountainous region, on the other side was the City of Vinum. He recalled the name Kovan from tales his father had told of this city as a hub of trade between Vinum and the surrounding towns. Kovan was rumored to be under the control of the Aquilae family, who wielded great influence over the region.
"Fate is definitely having a laugh." Alexander whispered to himself.
Hundreds of tents were pitched on the grassland at the outskirts of Kovan, taking up sales as carts and carriages went by.
Aside the archers standing gaurd on the battlement above the city gates a squad of guards mounted on horses took position at both sides of the gate - watching and observing every movement.
Alexander followed behind Andrew as they trot through the crowed street of Kovan. For a merchant town the street weren't floored, it made everywhere dusty, although the stone buildings stood as tall as five floors. As though the sales at the outskirts weren't enough, both sides of the street had stalls even the alleyways - sales going on here and there as traders announced their products with loud cries.
It took four turns to arrive at their destination, three long, two-floor buildings came together to form a 'U' shape. A troop of guards stood in a ten man formation, listening to a speech from a man who seems to be their instructor.
Andrew highlighted from Caramel as did Alexander from his horse, a guard led them to the middle building while another led their horses to the stables by the side. The ground floor of the building seemed like a bar, round tables having four seats spread throughout the room, at the fore front was a counter. Three lovely looking ladies stood behind the counter as did a large stack of neatly arranged files behind them.
Andrew tossed a silver coin at the guard who led them, the guard saluted then went on his way.
"Wait" Andrew commanded Alexander as he approached the counter.
Alexander sighed, he folds his arms - watching Andrew speak freely with the ladies.
Does he hate me? Alexander questioned himself.
"Come" Andrew commanded, he continued up the stairs to the right without taking a glimpse at Alexander.
For the sake of going up the ranks, Alexander kept telling himself so he could remain calm, he was getting fed up with Andrew's attitude.
He hurried after Andrew, taking deep breaths as the ladies giggled.
At the end of the stairs, by the side, was a long passage. Alexander quietly followed beside Andrew, they walked pass four doors, on each side, stopping at the fifth. Andrew tossed a key at Alexander then points at the door behind.
"Stay" Andrew turns over and opens his room door, "go get our stuffs." He closed the door without even looking at Alexander.
Alexander stood a few seconds, his eyes twitching - his breath hefty.
"Help me not to kill him Derek," Alexander whispered to himself, "because I will."